Adrianne Thomas, a standout student from Elmore Stoutt High School, has been crowned the 2024 Junior Ambassador of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Her selection follows a remarkable performance in the annual speech competition organized by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC), held earlier this month at UP’s Cineplex in Road Town.

The competition featured eight talented students from secondary schools across the BVI. Thomas emerged victorious, continuing the impressive streak for Elmore Stoutt High School, whose student Naomi Onwufuju secured the title in 2023. This win underscores the school’s dominance in fostering tourism awareness and leadership among its students.

In her new role, Thomas will act as an advocate for the BVI’s tourism sector, promoting the islands’ unique attractions and cultural heritage. Her responsibilities will include participating in local and international events, enhancing the visibility and appeal of the BVI as a prime tourist destination.

The event saw intense competition, with Carey-Ann McKee from Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division and Soccorria Telesford from BVI Seventh Day Adventist School securing the second and third places, respectively. The contestants showcased their knowledge and passion for tourism through their presentations on various topics provided by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

As the Junior Ambassador of Tourism, Thomas will also serve as a Brand Ambassador for telecommunications provider CCT, which awarded her a cell phone and a year of free service. She will represent the BVI at the CTO Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands, scheduled for September.

The Junior Ambassador of Tourism program aims to engage the youth in the promotion and preservation of the BVI’s tourism industry. It fosters a sense of responsibility and pride in the territory’s natural and cultural assets. According to Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism, the competition plays a vital role in raising awareness about the opportunities and challenges in the tourism industry among the public, particularly the youth.

Thomas’s win not only brings pride to her school but also sets a high benchmark for future participants in the program. Her achievement highlights the importance of youth involvement in promoting tourism and showcases the potential of young leaders in driving the industry forward.

The success of this year’s competition and the enthusiastic participation of students underscore the growing engagement of BVI’s youth in the tourism sector, promising a bright future for the industry.

The US Virgin Islands (USVI), with their stunning turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and marine tourists. From snorkeling and scuba diving to sailing and paddleboarding, the islands offer a myriad of aquatic adventures that attract visitors from around the world. As marine tourism continues to thrive, the USVI is reinforcing its status as a premier destination for water-based activities.

The USVI’s underwater world is a treasure trove of natural beauty. The coral reefs, home to an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures, are a major draw for snorkelers and divers. Popular snorkeling spots like Trunk Bay on St. John and Buck Island Reef National Monument off St. Croix provide easy access to thriving marine ecosystems. These locations offer crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making them ideal for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

For those looking to dive deeper, the USVI boasts several world-class scuba diving sites. The wreck of the RMS Rhone near Salt Island, though technically part of the British Virgin Islands, is a popular excursion from the USVI. This sunken ship, teeming with marine life and encrusted with coral, provides an unforgettable diving experience. St. Croix’s Frederiksted Pier, known for its vibrant underwater landscape, and Cane Bay Wall, a dramatic drop-off teeming with sea life, are also top diving destinations.

Sailing is another quintessential activity in the USVI. The steady trade winds and calm seas create perfect conditions for sailing enthusiasts. The islands’ numerous bays and coves offer sheltered anchorages, making it easy for sailors to explore at their own pace. Charter companies provide a range of options, from crewed luxury yachts to bareboat charters, allowing visitors to tailor their sailing experience. The annual St. Thomas International Regatta, one of the Caribbean’s premier sailing events, attracts sailors from around the globe and showcases the islands’ sailing prowess.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the USVI’s scenic coastlines and mangrove forests. Guided tours offer insights into the local ecology and provide opportunities to encounter wildlife such as rays, turtles, and a variety of bird species. Bioluminescent bays, where glowing microorganisms light up the water at night, offer a magical kayaking experience on St. Croix.

Fishing is another popular activity in the USVI, with both inshore and deep-sea fishing opportunities available. Anglers can target a variety of species, including tarpon, bonefish, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Local charters provide all the necessary equipment and expertise, ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.

Security personnel at Havensight Mall may soon receive a significant boost in authority as Bill 35-0238, aimed at elevating their status to peace officers, has passed its initial legislative test. Sponsored by Senator Milton Potter, the bill specifically targets qualified enforcement officers from the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) who are stationed at the mall.

Senator Potter highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures at Havensight, a prime destination for both locals and nearly a million tourists each year. He cited recent violent incidents, including a 2022 shooting during a robbery attempt and a fatal shooting in the parking lot in October 2023, as key drivers for the proposed security overhaul.

The bill advocates for peace officer training for these officers at the V.I. Police Academy, enabling them to respond to emergencies, enforce laws, and maintain order on the premises. Roy Moorehead, chief security officer of the mall, supports this move as a strategic step to strengthen the safety and security framework at Havensight Mall, enhancing its reputation as a secure venue and boosting local tourism and spending.

Support from GERS and the VIPD, including Assistant Commissioner Sidney Elskoe, underscores the initiative’s alignment with broader public safety goals. The financial impact on the government is minimal, as GERS plans to allocate Havensight Mall’s budget to train and increase the salaries of four to six officers.

During the legislative discussions, Senator Franklin Johnson reminded the GERS representatives of the extensive duties that come with peace officer status, applicable even beyond the mall’s boundaries. Senator Novelle Francis expressed support but cautioned about additional considerations such as insurance, retirement benefits, and training expenses.

Despite widespread legislative backing, Senator Kenneth Gittens opposed the bill, proposing instead to bolster the existing tourist-oriented police efforts by channeling funds directly to the V.I. Police Department and suggesting a merger between the V.I. Port Authority and the West Indian Company to enhance the police budget.

The bill now advances to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, moving one step closer to potentially transforming the security landscape at Havensight Mall.